After you’ve installed your brand-new custom staircase, there isn’t much more there needs to be done….at least until it gets dirty. After a few weeks of guests, friends, and family members traveling up and down your staircase, it may not look as great as it did when it was first installed. All it takes is a quick cleaning, but if you’re not sure where to start, then read over these tips on cleaning and maintaining your staircase.
Start from the top and work your way down
While you may not want to lug all of your cleaning supplies upstairs, it’ll save you a lot of effort in the long run. Starting from the top of the staircase will prevent the dirt from your feet messing up your recently cleaned steps. That way, by the time you’ve reached the bottom, your entire staircase will be sparkly clean.
Use a broom at the top and a vacuum at the bottom
Vacuums are large, heavy, and difficult to maneuver. To make things easier, leave it at the bottom of the stairs while taking your broom up with you. Then, using your broom, sweep away any dust and debris down to the bottom step. At that point, you can use your vacuum to clean up the debris. You should also take a hand brush and work around the railings and crevices in order to get every part of your staircase clean.
Wipe it down
Even after you’ve removed the dust and debris, there might be left over dirt that’s harder to get off. After all, there’s bound to be someone in your home who doesn’t take their shoes off at the door. All of that dirt and grime can get onto your staircases, but it’s easy enough to remove. Grab a damp cloth or sponge and wipe down each step. After you’re done, dry your steps immediately with a towel. If you let the water linger, it could seep into the wood and cause rot or mold. If your steps are tile or steel, however, rot and mold are less of a concern, but wet steps could become a safety hazard, so it’s best to dry them immediately just in case.
Don’t forget your railing and baluster
Your railing and baluster will collect dirt and dust just like your steps. They won’t get as dirty as often, however, so you should only worry about them every two weeks or so. Using a damp cloth, wipe each railing and baluster individually, making sure to rinse out the cloth once it gets too dirty. Then, similar to your steps, you’ll want to dry it off quickly to prevent any rot or mold from collecting.
Keep an eye out for damaged treads
Accidents happen. While your new staircase can hold up to a lot, there will come a time when the years of constant use might take its toll. Keep an eye out for any damage that your treads may have sustained so that you can fix it as soon as possible. This will keep your staircase looking as it should, while also preventing any current problems from getting worse. Once you’ve installed a custom staircase from Acadia Stairs, then you’ll want to take good care of it. So, if you have further questions on how to clean and maintain your custom staircase, then give the pros over at Acadia Stairs a call today at 845-765-8600.
